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Tuesday, August 19, 2008



In case you haven't heard, SparkPeople has launched a brand new blog-style website called dailySpark.com . Instead of adding new blog entries here on my SparkPage, I'll be blogging there from now on, along with our other Coaches and experts!

To learn more about what the dailySpark is all about, check out this article for a full explanation.

Go to www.dailySpark.com anytime to read and comment on the new and interesting posts made daily by all of SparkPeople's experts! There, you can find my bio and blog entries by following this link .

I'll see you at the dailySpark!

Coach Jen

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHRIS3215 12/13/2009 4:42PM

    Thanks so much for the dailySpark, i look forward to them..
ALLEGROVIVO 11/9/2009 7:28AM

    Jen,

All of your writings are fabulous!! Thank you! Nancy emoticon
MAFOSTER11 11/7/2009 3:17AM

    How cool is that! Congrats.
JAZZYDOC 9/13/2009 12:06PM

    I looking forward to reading more of your blogs. Thanks
MARIA_N_2009 9/7/2009 8:46PM

    I enjoy reading your blogs!
KATAKITOMOTSIN 5/17/2009 10:42PM

    This is a great blog. What you are saying is so true. I am 66 y/o and have never been happier in my life. I DO have a social life now. When I was younger, I was too busy working, taking care of my daughters, worrying and all the other demands of life. Now that I have retired, I look forward to getting up in the mornings, excited what life holds for me each new day. I look forward to my time with friends, enjoying the theater, going for walks, and just plain relaxing and being me. Thanks Coach Jen, I will be looking forward to more blogs from you.


emoticon emoticon
CAMERABABE 12/4/2008 1:46PM

    This is great I'm glad yoiu shared it

Have a great day.
SONIAFERNANDEZ 9/16/2008 10:53PM

    IīM QUITE EXCITED TO JOIN THIS SITE BUT I CANīT DO THIS!!
I DONīT KNOW WHAT HAPPENS BUT THE PAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHAT CAN I DO?
COLEMANSR 8/19/2008 11:44AM

    It is great thanks, Passing it on.
SHELLPRO 8/19/2008 11:04AM

    Thanks 4 the tip! Had no idea!


California bans trans fats in restaurants

Wednesday, August 06, 2008


This story has been in the news a lot recently, and I've seen some discussion about it on the Message Boards. So I thought we could get a conversation going about it here!

A few weeks ago, California passed legislation that bans restaurants and other retail food establishments from using oil, margarine and shorting containing trans fats in the foods they sell. Although there are some other cities in the U.S. that have similar laws, this is the first state-wide legislation of its kind.

Although it will be a few years before the law takes effect, many restaurants have already been phasing out trans fats to satisfy their customers.

What are trans fats and why are they such a big deal? Trans fats are oils that have been chemically-altered (through a process called hydrogenation) from their original liquid states, into solid shortening. The process increases the shelf life of the oil and improves the texture of the food to which the oil is added. However, trans fats increase your risk of heart disease, clogging arteries and lowering your good cholesterol. You can read more about them here:

Translating those Trans Fats

So what do you think? Is it the job of individual states to be making these kinds of laws, or should regulations be coming from somewhere like the Food and Drug Administration? Is it the job of government to decide what we should and shouldn't be eating?

Let me know your thoughts!

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25853307/

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHININGTHRU126 8/19/2009 12:51PM

    Rather than ban trans-fats why not just stop producing them altogether? Didn't this madness start @ 30 years ago or so? We all lived without them before, we can live without them again.
NAENAE1213 8/19/2009 12:41PM

    I prefer free will. If I choose to eat poor choices...that's MY choice. I don't like anyone telling me what I can and cannot eat. I'm a dietitian. I teach this stuff daily. Yes, trans fats are bad. But, water can be bad if you drink too much of it. People need to take a little responsibility for their own actions rather than looking for someone else to blame.
KGPOSSIBLE 12/20/2008 11:37AM

    NEVERGIVEUP - You hit the nail on the head....in 20 years the Government or medicine will be publishing something saying oops we made a mistake trans fats are actually healthy for you.....do you really think banning trans fat is going to make people change their eating habits? Eating habits come from within. The message I am seeing now is go ahead and eat all the french fries you want because they don't have trans fat! The're healthy!! Is that the right message...a few years ago it was "fat free" and everybody ate twice as much....well we know what happened.....education...not government intervention is where our energy should be spent. Anything in moderation is fine...it's overeating and lack of exercise that is the problem. Not trans fat! I am a perfect example of that statement!

Comment edited on: 12/20/2008 11:37:40 AM
MARTYRED4LOVE 8/18/2008 4:59PM

    I may be out of line here, but hasn't the government always dictated what we can and can't consume? Isn't the FDA a part of the government? And is it not their job to make sure we don't consume stuff that is complete cr*p? It would be one thing if they were banning healthy foods and ingredients (I wouldn't doubt if they had/do) but really, does anyone NEED those trans fats? I don't get why people are upset about the idea of the government doing something GOOD for our health.
MYTHICALANGEL 8/16/2008 11:08PM

    What is there to say you hit the nail on the head...way to go
GREGOIREDIET 8/16/2008 12:27AM

   
Hi Jen

to manage the health of a population is so hard, we can't limit our approach at public health messages to the population,
also the influence of the advertising is very strong,
in France most of nutritionnists are jealous of this law against the trans acid fats, we want the same ;-)

I desagree with the opinion which supports that each person has to make his own choice and to be 100% responsible of himself...
This would mean that obeses or patients with high cholesterol rate are responsible of their illness but the largest part of the doctors, the psychology and the sociology... supports that these patients are not really responsible of their illness but are, for a large part of it, victims of the environment.
NEVERGIVEUP 8/15/2008 5:06PM

    You said it. "Everything in moderation". Agreed. But the government making these foods unavailable!!! Telling me what I can or cannot eat??? Trying to save people from themselves only restricts our freedom more and more. It is about education not more government regulation. I thought this was supposed to be a free country. How far will it go??
MZSLEEPE1 8/15/2008 12:40PM

    Ignorance is bliss! YOU ON A DIET, Dr. Oz! The book that will explain what lard and hydrogenated fats do to your body! The book is loaded with infomation! People usually are not informed about what they are eating, we live on auto-pilot. If they were really informed they wouldn't put any processed crap in their bodies. They would go organic and try to understand the concept that most people are ignorant when it comes to nutrition. I didn't say dumb. But they just aren't informed. No one is saying that eating a donut made with lard is going to kill you instantly but if you eat stuff like that everyday of your life, well... It's just common sense. Everything in moderation and fresh, whole foods are best. The least amount of ingredients possible. If it has more than 5 things in it, what are they and do you want to feed that to your family? Broccoli, carrots, green beans and so on. You see what I'm saying. Those are really good foods if they aren't sprayed with pesticides! But again, ignorance is bliss... Have a great day and be good to yourself!!
NEVERGIVEUP 8/15/2008 12:13PM

    California is NUTS! When I was a girl, my grandmother made donuts with LARD. (Best donuts you ever tasted). When the saturated fats became associated with heart disease, we all switched to the hydrogenated vegetable oils (like Crisco) and now these are bad. I also remember when eggs were considered the worst thing on the planet, now they're considered healthy (in reasonable amounts). I don't want the government telling me what I can and cannot eat. I also don't want the government telling a chef to eliminate any ingredient from a food that you might eat once a year! Come on!! Labels fine, the rest of this stuff is nonsense!
PSC21257 8/14/2008 1:43AM

  South Carolina is doing it to. It is really great!


Fitness protects brain in Alzheimer's patients

Wednesday, July 30, 2008


Need yet another reason to be physically active? Here's one: A new study shows that people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease who are more physically fit, had less shrinkage in areas of the brain that are important for memory.

Previous studies have shown that exercise slows age-related changes in the brain for healthy people. But this study shows that even people who are already in the early stages of Alzheimer's can still benefit from regular exercise. It's never too late to start!

This study is the first to show that specifically, changes occur in the memory region of the brain when someone becomes more fit.

Here's another study that reinforces the benefits of exercise for your mind:

Exercise Keeps Your Mind Sharp

You'll also find a lot more information about overall senior health in our Senior Health Lifestyle Center .

www.revolutionhealth.com/news/?id=re
ut-20080728elin008

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LAL667 7/30/2009 2:57AM

  Thank you everyone for the encouraging posts. Fear of Alz. is something I can claim...but I don't want it to lose the good years I'm having now to fear. Lal667
SWILLIAM621 9/4/2008 12:44PM

    I was so glad to see this on your page! Great motivation for me to keep moving. My mother has Alzheimer's and so did her mother, scares me to death every time I forget something. My doctor assured me not to worry but I do anyway, early diagnosis seems to be the key before you really start losing your wits.
JENSFITJOURNEY 8/6/2008 12:25PM

    This is such a great post - thank you. My grandmother is suffering with Alzheimer's and it is a motivation for me to keep pressing on - not for a drop in the scale but rather so I can live the best possible life I can.

Thank you very much for this and all you do with Spark. This site has changed my life forever.

Comment edited on: 8/6/2008 12:24:01 PM
CALA2008 8/5/2008 4:19PM

    Yet another reminder to keep us moving. Thanks for that.

Hugs and blessings, Celeste emoticon
SHOOTIN4STARS 7/31/2008 11:41AM

    Since I started exercising, I have noticed a huge difference in my level of alertness. I used to feel legthargic all the time. Now I have so much energy. No one has to convince me to keep exercising! emoticon
JOHNBABJR 7/30/2008 8:41PM

    I'll keep running!
TZH4145 7/30/2008 8:31PM

    This article gives me more incentive to keep doing my exercises. emoticon emoticon
SHELLPRO 7/30/2008 1:39PM

    I'd seen this articel & actually started to do one of the recommendations for memory- stop using the same route all the time when walking/running! Reverse it occassionally. Much like driving to & from work all the time- you start to run on auto pilot, not really using your vision & muscles the way you did when you started!
It was amazing the things I had stopped noticing!
RSTATHIS 7/30/2008 10:21AM

    I'm a believer in exercise and this gives me one more reason to keep the faith!
MOJO-REAL 7/30/2008 9:06AM

    This was certainly true in my family. Every day my father had exercise was a better day -- for everyone. My aunt (his sister), who's probably the most physically fit woman I know, has had Alzheimer's for a number of years, but only now -- at age 90 -- is she showing the classic signs. And even so, she remains a lot more connected than many with this disease. Between my family history and your blog, I feel very motivated to get moving today.

Comment edited on: 7/30/2008 9:05:54 AM


Curbing food waste

Wednesday, July 23, 2008


I'm sure we're all guilty of it from time to time: buying items at the supermarket that we never end up using and eventually end up in the trash. I know I'm to blame. Usually I have the best intentions, thinking I'll use something as an ingredient in a recipe I never end up making, or buy a snack that looks good at the time but I never end up eating. Whenever I do go through my periodic "purge" of the refrigerator and cabinets, I always feel guilt over the foods I end up throwing away.

U.S. research estimates that at least 14% of the foods we purchase end up in the garbage (about 96 BILLION pounds of food a year). I think it's safe to say that in many other countries, that number is a LOT lower. I remember a friend telling me about a mission trip she took to Mexico. She was helping prepare meals in a very poor community, and she couldn't believe how little they threw away. They used every part of every piece of food they possibly could, throwing away almost nothing. In the U.S., food waste makes up about 12% of landfill material. As organic materials like vegetables and grains decompose in landfills, they release the greenhouse gas methane into the environment.

So what are some of the reasons we throw away so much? One is that we tend to buy more food than we need to, especially when we shop without a grocery list or become tempted by sales and "buy one get one free" specials. I know that the majority of my food waste comes when I start to deviate from the list I've brought with me. So maybe before you start grabbing items, think twice about whether or not you're going to be able to use it before it spoils, and whether or not you really need it. You'll reduce waste and save money at the same time. Making a list before you head to the store really helps with that.

If you constantly find yourself with leftovers that you never end up eating, you have a few options. One is to make less food. Scale back your recipe to serve 2 instead of 10- that way you'll have less to worry about finishing later. Another option is to freeze the leftovers for later use, or plan to use them in another dish this week. For example, you could use your leftover chicken in a soup or on top of a salad.

Reducing food waste is better for the environment and your wallet, so think before you shop! Do you feel like you keep food waste to a minimum in your household? If you're not from the U.S., are things different in your country?

Here are some articles on SP you might find interesting:

8 Ways to Green Your Kitchen

How to Keep Your Fruits and Veggies Fresh

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25215428/

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEXASFILLY 9/9/2009 3:54PM

    Thanks for the tips!
MYTHICALANGEL 8/16/2008 11:09PM

    Love it, I personally go every couple of days for fruits and veggies
ANGEDEE 8/15/2008 7:19PM

    If your veggies are getting a bit old but aren't bad yet - cut them up and put them in a pot with come chicken broth and seasoning. Puree the batch, and you'll have a great soup. Save on waste, and eat A LOT of veggies all at once.
ANGEDEE 8/14/2008 5:45PM

    Threw out food today. It usually happens to overshopping...as you said.
DRINA1984 8/10/2008 4:14PM

    I know I add to that number because I will buy fresh produce and let it spoil. I always say to myself "I'll cook it tomorrow" but tomorrow never comes. I have chicken in my fridge now that I have to waste because I didn't cook it in due time. I think I'll stick to frozen foods!!! emoticon
ANNAMARIA6 8/2/2008 11:50AM

    I am from central europe and I was also tought not to waste food. When I was little my family would tell me to think about all those people who dont have anything to eat when I am about to throw food away. Therefore I feel so bad when I have to throw food. My boyfriend's parents do the shopping for us and they buy so many things that at the end of the week most fruits and veg are spoiled. I always give lefover meat to the dog or I freeze it for later to give it to the dog.

Comment edited on: 8/2/2008 11:49:46 AM
NTXFEM 8/1/2008 8:39AM

  We try very hard not to waste alot here but occasionally things used to get pushed to the back of the fridge or freezer find myself browsing fridge and freezer more often and the waste and spoilage have been cut down quite a bit not entirely but much better than before-- now when i find something close to its lack of usefulness we either cook it up or freeze or both thanks for the reminder emoticon
LILYLUNA 8/1/2008 5:20AM

    In Poland our mothers learn kids that wasting food is very bad.
They build in their kids a kind of sense of guilt, similar to the guilt feeling used in potty training.
But as far from WW2 and People's Republic of Poland times, when not wasting food was crucial, because there were very little food on the market, less of them learn that and we are more and more like you (USA).
Mayby this problem is so big in USA because you didn't have or don't remember times when you go to a store and there is nothing else on the shelfs but dust.
PS. Sorry for Grammar and Spelling errors - I'm still learnig English. emoticon
WAKEUP60 7/29/2008 9:05AM

  you are so right and I am one to fit this category but hopefully will change the habit soon emoticon
SALTYCHOCOLATE 7/25/2008 12:04PM

  Coach_Nicole, thanks for the clarification about decomposing food vs. composting food. I was surprised to read that when organic matter (fruits, veggies, etc.) goes into landfills it creates greenhouse gases. However, you clarified that the organic matter needs oxygen, which it doesn't get in the landfill, in order for it to turn into compost. We have a compost bin, but I don't always use it because throwing out food is easier and faster. I have to work on not being so lazy. Thanks!


Turn off TV during meals or kids may get fat

Wednesday, July 16, 2008


You've probably heard this suggestion on our site before, but here's a new study that reinforces the idea: Watching TV during mealtime can lead to overeating. This study demonstrates that it not only applies to adults, but to our kids as well.

A study from the University of Toronto found that kids who watched TV while eating lunch took in 228 calories more than those who ate without the television on.

Why would this be? One theory is that eating while watching TV overrides our ability to know when to stop eating. Think about it- you get engrossed in your favorite show, and by the end of the hour you realize you've eaten a whole bag of chips when you meant to eat only a handful. TV distracts us from paying attention to how much we've consumed and when we're full.

So turn the TV off during meals- for you and your kids! Spend this time catching up on the day's events, sharing stories and finding out what's going on in your families lives. If you live alone, it's a great time to quietly unwind after a busy day.

Here are some articles related to this topic:

Tune-In to a Healthier You

Help Your Loved Ones Stay Healthy

www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/i
dUSPER95653920080709?feedType=RSS&feed
Name=healthNews

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MICKYMAR 7/31/2008 11:23PM

  This also is my downfall. I run a business at home, and due to my weight, i dont walk anymore(soon to change)
I agree, we come home from work we sit we are tired and watch tv and eat.

Agreed, bad habit!
Michele emoticon
DEZFAITHLADY 7/29/2008 9:53PM

  Unfortunately I had gotten into a bad habit of watching television while eating, and I noticed that I never seemed to get full. I always had room for more. I agree with the article 100%. It's a dangerous habit to get into. emoticon
LUVTHISLEO 7/29/2008 6:22PM

    Wow...I did not know this. My little boy is kindy of on the chubby side and he is addicted to Disney Hanna Matanna. Well no more eating while watching tv. Thanks.
MISTYMANDI 7/17/2008 8:48AM

    it is interesting to know that and it very helpfull thanks for the info
LADYBUGVIV 7/16/2008 8:09PM

    I ....am...at...this very moment...prying...the ..clicker..out ..of . my ..DH's grasping ...hand. Boy is he ever strong. I have wanted the TV off during meals ever since I was subjected to the Vietnam war at dinnertime as a kid. Thanks for the input. luv emoticonviv
SHELLPRO 7/16/2008 12:34PM

    Yes, I really wasn't too surprise at how little time is spent really playing or exercising kids do- I mean look at the adults! Between work & TV, almost none do anything else. Unless their a little sport crazy!
Watching the TV during meals has become pretty much the all time 'baby sitter' No wonder it influences meal choices so much!

Comment edited on: 7/16/2008 12:33:13 PM
CLONDILLY 7/16/2008 11:52AM

    I dont let my kids eat dinner infront of the tv ever, we do however watch tv once a month during lunch as a treat.
KASSANDRASMOM 7/16/2008 11:11AM

    I'm also turning ours off starting today! Thank you so much for this information. It really makes sense!
JOHNBABJR 7/16/2008 10:21AM

    It's already a rule in our house. Dinner is our together time. We also have a rule that the tv doesn't go on until everyone's homework is completely finished.
KITT52 7/16/2008 8:21AM

    I'm turning it off starting today.

Thanks again for the info.

Kitt


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